National Forests in North Carolina

Bear Pen TR 176

This trail provides nice views of the Craggy Mountains to the southeast. It offers many possible loop trails and ascends steeply at times with some switchbacks. The trail also crosses several streams including Staire Branch.

Total Length: 1.5 miles

Total Elevation Change: 680 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Difficult

Beginning Point: NFSR 74

Ending Point: Laurel Gap TR 184

Average Hiking Time: 1.5 hours (one way)

Amount of Use: Moderate

Blaze Color: Orange

Area Trail Map: South Toe River, Mount Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map

USGS Quad Maps: Mount Mitchell and Montreat

General Information

Directions:

From Burnsville, go east on US 19E for 0.5 mile and turn right onto NC 197S. Stay on NC 197 through Pensacola and Cane River Gap to Barnardsville for about 25 miles. The road is paved, changes to gravel and becomes paved again. Turn left at the intersection of NC 197 and SR 2173 (Dillingham Road) and remain on NC 2173. SR 2173 becomes NFSR 74 (a gravel road). Follow this road for 5.4 miles to the trailhead on the left.